9. The Amnesia Charade

After the phone call was hung up, Diego stared at the screen of his cellphone in a fluster. Diego already knew that he would be heavily blamed for Vellina's accident. This isn't the only time Diego has become the target of Eston's passionate annoyance. "You are okay?" Stella's voice came from the edge of the bed. Diego woke up from his reverie and turned around to look at Stellina. Seeing that Stellana realized something was up, Diego shook his head quickly. "Nothing," Diego replied. "I'm just surprised that Eston would actually come here." "Big Boss Eston is going to cancel his business to come here Mister Diego?" Fabian answered Diego's words. Diego nodded firmly in response. "That's right. Don't be surprised at that. Wouldn't Eston do anything for his beloved daughter?" he asked, including a chuckle—laughing at himself. Fabian just realized after hearing Diego's question. "Right, I just remembered that Big Boss Eston is like that." The direction of Diego's gaze turned to Stellina who still showed her confused face. Stellana looked alternately at Diego and Fabian, as if waiting for the two of them to finish talking and be able to talk. "Wait. Who is Eston?" Stella asked then. "Why do you call him Master, as well as Big Boss?" "The highest mafia leader is above me," Diego replied then. His voice had been serious since the call with Eston ended. "He is papa Vellina, someone you will play. Later you will meet him," Diego continued his previous words. Not long after stepping towards the sofa near the hospital bed that Stella was sitting on, Diego let out a rough breath. "I don't know why I imagined Eston would be very excited when he saw his daughter's condition." "My condition, you mean?" Stella asked. Diego nodded his head. "Yeah, who else? You have to be prepared for the excitement." "Then what should I do? I'm worried that if I let go I shouldn't," Stellina replied with an irritated face after she finished speaking. Diego's eyebrows rose. Diego immediately straightened his sitting position while placing both hands interlocked. Ever since Stellina said her question, Diego looked at the woman with suspicious eyes. "For example how?" On the other hand, Fabian also supervised Stellina. It was because of the views from both directions that it made Stellina instantly feel awkward. Don't know how many times, he couldn't get used to Fabian and Diego's attitude like this. 'Ah, Stellina, if you're playing the daughter of the mafia's top boss, you have to get used to not being awkward,' Stellina thought to herself, giving a rebuke. "For example... it's possible that I subconsciously couldn't bear to see how she felt," replied Stellina whose voice gradually squeaked at the end of the sentence. Hearing Stellina's answer, Diego immediately chuckled while rolling his eyes in embarrassment. Diego rubbed the nape of his neck briefly and looked back at Stellina. This time Diego's gaze held a clear warning. Diego pointed his finger at Stellina. "Hey, Vellina doesn't have a conscience like you. You shouldn't be able to hold yourself back," Diego said with emphasis on every word. Stella was instantly irritated and confused. "You warned me not to have a conscience. Shouldn't it be the other way around?" he asked, unable to stop looking at Diego in disbelief. Diego didn't want to react too much to Stellina's words. Meanwhile Fabian just shook his head. "You should do that, Miss Stellina. If you show even the slightest bit of mercy, then Big Boss Eston will suspect you." Fabian gave an explanation because he felt Diego didn't want to talk much anymore. "Actually it doesn't matter if you just let it slip once," said Diego, making Fabian and Stellina's attention shift. "Only once. If Mr. Eston asks why she's acting strange, then we can use amnesia as an excuse." "Are you sure Big Boss Eston will just believe it, Master?" Fabian looked at Diego in disbelief. Diego just muttered briefly in the affirmative. Then, Fabian took a deep breath. "Did you hear what Mister Diego said? You have to act like an amnesiac." Stellina felt that the responsibility of the play she was carrying was getting heavier. So far, Stellan has never acted like she is now. What's more, this play wasn't just for a day or two. But for a very long time. Also, Stellina is dealing with the highest leader of the mafia. Most likely after entering into Diego's life, she will encounter more new things. Throughout that time, Stellina had to maintain her act as an amnesiac? Stellina wasn't sure if she could stop herself from letting go while acting. "Why is your face suddenly gloomy?" Diego made a sound, startling Stellina from her reverie. The direction of Stellina's eyes that radiated doubt shifted to Diego. That made Diego realize that the woman in front of him was currently confused. Without question, Diego had already guessed what was bothering Stellina. "If you can't continue this charade, you can cancel your plans." Suddenly Stellina was surprised to hear Diego's words. Stella shook her head quickly. "No way. Are you crazy? Even your preparations are very mature." Diego snapped his fingers. "You know that. Why do you still look confused?" Stellana immediately couldn't answer for a few seconds. But before long, Stella let out a restless sigh. There is a sense of guilt if he canceled this play plan. "I'm not worried, just thinking about how to pretend to be someone with amnesia." Stellana replied in her confused state. Meanwhile, in front of Stellina, Diego didn't seem to care. After standing up and placing his hands across his chest, Diego watched Stellina intensely. "I brought you here, gave a briefing to the nurse, gave you an infusion of vitamins to make it look like someone who is sick," Diego explained what he had been doing since earlier. "You've even given up on getting your hair cut. Look at your hair again. Don't you regret it?" asked Diego once more. Hearing Diego mention about his hair, Stellina immediately grabbed his hair. Stellina pulled back a few strands to see the ends, but now she no longer saw the length of the strands like her hair before the cut. "Ah... you're right. My hair is already cut," Stella replied in a low voice. There was still a sense of sadness after he realized his long hair was gone. "You really love your hair, don't you? So don't waste your cut hair." Diego, who knows how many times, gave a warning to Stellina. With an irritated look, Stella glanced at Diego. "You, just a few seconds ago allowed me to cancel your plan. But why does it sound like you are trying to threatening me not to go now?" "Not threatening," Diego replied correcting. "Just telling the facts so you can make a better choice." Yes, however, Stella has already agreed to join Diego's plan. After all, Diego had done a lot of preparations for her. It was only moments before Eston arrived. If Stellina cancels, I don't know what kind of punishment Diego will get. Stellina still felt bad enough to imagine the possibility that Diego would be battered. "Okay. Without you telling me, I already understand. So, I have to pretend to be an amnesiac? What next?" Diego motioned for Fabian to continue the conversation with Stellina. On the other hand, Diego seemed to be getting ready to pick up a phone call. "You better pretend like someone who's in a coma when Big Boss Eston comes," replied Fabian who replaced Diego. Stella heard Fabian's words. But half of his attention was diverted to Diego who looked panicked. "How long will I last in faking a swoon?" asked Stellina without taking her eyes off Diego at the entrance of the room. "Until Big Boss Eston comes out of this room. He'll definitely come to you, and you'll have to pretend to faint." "You can't open your eyes no matter what?" Stellina now turned her eyes to Fabian. With great confidence, Fabian nodded his head. "Whatever happens, don't open your eyes." ----- "YOU ARE A BASTARD, DIEGO! WHAT CAN YOU DO, HUH?! YOU CAN'T TAKE CARE OF VELLINA!" Stellina really didn't want to carry out Fabian's request to constantly close her eyes like someone in a coma. The one who had just snapped so loud it echoed was Eston. His arrival had only been a few seconds ago, but Eston was already wreaking havoc by punching Diego in the face. The fist was so heavy that Diego's body, surprised by the sudden attack, immediately staggered into the table. In a state of closing her eyes and grimacing in horror, Stellina slightly opened her eyes. Just to be able to take a peek to see how messy things were in front of him. After punching Diego, Eston's body, which was already middle age, almost swayed backwards. Luckily, Eston's right-hand man immediately held Eston's body and brought him to lean against the wall. Eston signaled to the man on his right not to hold his shoulders. But Eston's right-hand man couldn't just leave his boss alone. "Big Boss Eston, don't make a scene in Miss Vellina's room." Eston's right-hand man repeatedly gave warnings. Unfortunately, Eston was already controlled by anger. Let go of the man's right hand that was holding both shoulders, then Eston raised his stick towards Diego. "Put him down now," Eston ordered his right hand man. "Knock it now! Give him way more pain than Vellina!" Diego still slightly bent while holding the corner of his lips. Beside Diego, Fabian held his body after helping him up. "Mr. Eston... I'm really sorry–" Diego just said an incomplete sentence. But suddenly, Eston's right hand man immediately approached him. This very fast movement could not be avoided by Diego. When Fabian was about to block Eston's right-hand man, his body was knocked out in one jolt. One fist punch, which had more power than Eston, flew back to Diego's face. Diego's body immediately bounced into the table once again. Without waiting for Diego to stand up straight, Eston's right-hand man grabbed his jacket and hit him in the jaw again. A punch from below that made Diego feel his teeth cracked in an instant. Diego just averted his face, then Eston's right-hand man returned to give him one more punch. This time on the stomach. Three successive fist blows. Suddenly, witnessing Diego's state that had been attacked mercilessly, Stella couldn't just stay silent. The situation got even worse and Eston's right-hand man didn't stop punching Diego even though the male nurses and bodyguards had tried to separate him. There is no other choice. Stellina opened her eyes deliberately, watching Eston for a few seconds. Then her hand reached out to signal one of the nurses who happened to be staring at her. "Miss Vellina has come to her senses!" After one of the male nurses pointed at Stellina, all eyes turned in unison. The movement of Eston's right-hand man suddenly stopped in the air, even though he was about to give Diego one more punch. Stellina deliberately groaned while moving her fingers and face slowly. This made Eston smile broadly. In a hurry, Eston immediately walked towards Stellina. "Vellina, my beloved daughter..." Eston's voice sounded very soft, much different compared to Diego's. Stella slowly opened her eyes. It's kind of hard to act out someone who just woke up from a coma. Luckily, however, Stellina had read a book with a similar character. At least Stellina can demonstrate how the character acts. "You're awake?" Eston couldn't help but smile broadly, as if forgetting the chaotic fight that had just taken place. "How are you feeling now? How do you feel? Where does it hurt?" Eston repeatedly asked Stellina—who at that time was considered Vellina. Turns out Diego succeeded. Eston really thought of Stellina as Vellina. No response from Stella yet. As someone with amnesia, Stellina didn't say anything. Just looked at Eston with a questioning look on his face. "Hey, nurse! Quickly call the doctor and tell me that my daughter has woken up!" Suddenly Eston called out to the male nurses. While the three male nurses exited the room—of course after Diego's tacit approval, two male nurses made their way to Stellina's hospital bed. Eston stood beside Stellina with sparkling eyes. From a distance of several meters, Eston's right-hand man had passed in front of Diego. Leaving Diego who exchanged glances with Fabian. "Did our plan work?" Diego whispered very slowly to Fabian. Fabian watched the interaction between Stellina and Eston. On the other hand, there is no sign of a failed plan yet. "Apparently so, Mister Diego." Diego and Fabian slowly stepped closer to the Stellana hospital bed. Just wanted to make sure from a closer distance. "Miss Vellina, how do you feel?" The male nurse asked Stellina. Stellana was still in a daze. "My head ... it's so dizzy." "Quickly give something! Don't make my daughter hurt!" Eston immediately said panic. After hearing Eston's words, Stellina immediately averted her eyes. Stellina realized that Eston didn't know she had amnesia. And so, Stella more clearly showed confusion. As if not recognizing Eston at all. "Who are you?" Asked Stella, whose voice was very low. Eston suddenly stiffened at Stellina's question. For a few seconds, Eston just stared at his only daughter. "You... why do you ask that?" asked Eston back. "I don't know you," Stellana replied, then shifted her gaze to the others. "And, all of you.... who?" At that time Eston could not say anything. He was too surprised to learn that Stellina did not remember who he was. Eston spontaneously backed away because his body suddenly swayed with surprise. Luckily the man's right hand held back once more. "Big Boss," Eston's right-hand man called, trying to resuscitate his boss. Eston was dazed for that second. "How come? You... don't remember who I am?" On the other hand, Diego secretly curved a relieved smile. Only small and fleeting. Seeing how Stellina's acting turned out to be unexpected, very impressive, made him believe that Stellina would play the role of Vellina well.